Irish pro-life advocates & supporters from across the county and beyond gathered to attend LIFE TALKS - a pro-life seminar organised by Choose Life.

On Saturday, September 3rd, Irish pro-life advocates & supporters from across the county and beyond gathered in Mullahoran, Co. Cavan to attend LIFE TALKS - a pro-life seminar organised by Choose Life. 

Considerable preparation by the Cavan pro-life activists ensured a great turnout for the event and a positive and optimistic atmosphere prevailed. 

The lineup of speakers began with famed former Tyrone football manager and inspiration to many, Mickey Harte, who gave a tremendous talk about the distortion of language and the need to restore honesty to discussions around abortion while showing love for both mother and child. 

Next up was our own Niamh Ui Bhriain, who spoke about the ongoing Abortion Review and in particular the need to retain the 3-day wait, a vital and life-saving period between the initial GP consultation and prescription of the first abortion pill. This waiting period has allowed for hundreds of mothers to seriously consider and relfect on the reality of abortion and choose life for their unborn child. 

Megan Scallan introduced the new pro-life initiative, 'Reclaim', a youth-focused movement aimed at reclaiming the narrative around human life and changing the culture back to one that cherishes human life at all stages. She shared their early experiences at pro-life canvassing in the public square which had met with success, and spoke about empowering a new generation of pro-life leaders. 

Katie Ascough, journalist, former president of UCD Student Union, shared her experience of being unfairly demonised for her personal pro-life views, and how this was ultimately the motivation for her impeachment as president of UCD Students' Union - a process which began mere minutes after her democratic and fair election. Katie also spoke of the importance of changing the culture and narrative around human life, especially amongst younger generations, which she aims to do via her media company 'Called to More'.

Carolyn O'Meara of Gianna Care spoke about the unparalleled and vital work being done by her organisation every minute of everyday, whether that includes counselling, ultrasounds, financial support, pregnancy testing, post-abortive help. The work being done by Gianna Care saves lives everyday, as Carolyn demonstrated with a slideshow of adorable babies who were saved from abortion because of the free and unending support provided by her and the whole team.

Dr. Niall Maguire shared his experience as an Irish GP in post-Repeal Ireland, where the right to 'Freedom of Conscience' in relation to the provision of abortion services for medical practitioners is being constantly attacked and questioned. Dr. Maguire spoke about taking the Hippocratic Oath seriously, which for him means conducting his profession with the welfare of both patients - mother and child - in mind. 

Aideen Mahon, a native of Mullahoran and active pro-life campaigner, gave a powerful and piognant speech about the fate of every unborn child who lost their lives at the hands of Repeal, specifically drawing attention to the stomach-turning reality that most TD's in the Dail voted against pain-relief for unborn babies in late term abortions. Aideen also spoke about the need to be publicly pro-life and to support pro-life TD's and parties. 

All in all, LIFE TALKS proved to be a resounding success and rejuvenating experience for the many pro-lifers in attendance. Hearts were certainly lifted and the new-found hope in the room at the end of the seminar was palpable.